Facilitation Roadmap Teacher Guide Facilitation Roadmap
Topic: Expressing Needs with Confidence
TEACHER RESOURCE
Lesson Objectives
Identify differences between Passive , Aggressive , and Assertive communication styles.
Construct effective I-Statements to express feelings and needs without blame.
Apply the DEAR MAN framework to request specific changes or resources.
Materials Needed
• Needs Compass Worksheet
• Real World Scenario Cards
• Circle Talk Workshop Guide
• Writing utensils
• Chart paper/markers
Instructional Sequence
1
Introduction: Why Needs Matter (15 mins)
Lead a discussion on why it feels difficult to ask for things. Normalize the anxiety around rejection or "being a burden." Define Needs vs. Wants .
2
The Communication Spectrum (20 mins)
Model the three distinct styles for the group: Passive (quiet/yielding), Aggressive (demanding/loud), and Assertive (calm/respectful).
Tip: Use physical posture to demonstrate each style.
3
Skill Building: Tools for Asking (30 mins)
Distribute the Needs Compass Worksheet . Walk through the I-Statement formula. Introduce DEAR MAN as a structured way to handle complex asks.
4
Workshop & Practice (45 mins)
Transition to small groups. Use the Circle Talk Workshop Guide and Real World Scenario Cards . Students role-play and practice scripts.
5
Reflection & Wrap-Up (10 mins)
Invite students to share one insight. Emphasize that assertiveness is a skill that improves with consistent practice.
Circle Talk Workshop Guide Circle Talk Workshop Guide
FACILITATOR
Safety Guidelines
"Pass" is always an option.
Confidentiality: What's shared stays here.
Focus on skill-building.
Coaching Prompts
• "Try that as an 'I' statement."
• "What is the specific goal?"
• "How can we say that calmly?"
Group Practice Protocol
1. Select: Groups choose a Scenario Card .
2. Script: Use DEAR MAN to write an assertive script.
3. Practice: One reads the script aloud. Others listen for tone.
4. Swap: Give 1 "glow" (positive) and 1 "grow" (tweak). Swap roles.
Facilitator Observations
Group Debrief Questions
• Which scenario was hardest to be assertive in?
• What part of DEAR MAN felt most natural?
• How did your body feel (tense, calm)?
• One small step to take this week?
Needs Compass Worksheet Needs Compass
Assertive Communication Workbook
Name:
Date:
The I-Statement Formula
"I feel [Emotion] when [Specific Event] because [Reason] . I need [Action/Request] ."
Practice 1: Someone cancels plans last minute.
Practice 2: You need extra time on a task from a support worker.
Practice 3: Asking a friend for a quiet night in.
DEAR MAN: Skill Breakdown
Use this 7-step guide for more complex requests.
D - Describe
State the facts of the situation clearly.
E - Express
State your feelings using "I" statements.
A - Assert
Ask clearly for what you need or want.
R - Reinforce
Explain the benefit for both parties.
M - Mindful
Focus on the goal.
A - Appear Confident
Steady voice and eye contact.
N - Negotiate
Open to compromise.
Personal Reflection
Identify one need you have right now. Which tool (I-Statement or DEAR MAN) feels most helpful for sharing it? Why?
Real World Scenario Cards Workplace
The Overwhelmed Employee
Your boss just assigned you a third new project this week. You are already feeling burnt out and worried you'll make mistakes if you take on more.
Goal:
Request a deadline extension or a task prioritization meeting.
Household
The Messy Roommate
Your roommate has left dishes in the sink for three days. The clutter is starting to increase your anxiety levels at home.
Goal:
Ask them to clear the dishes tonight without starting a fight.
Relationships
The Advice Giver
A friend keeps trying to "fix" your mental health by suggesting vitamins and exercise. You just want them to listen while you vent.
Goal:
Ask for validation and listening instead of unsolicited advice.
Healthcare
The Rushed Doctor
Your doctor is speaking very quickly and seems ready to leave, but you still have questions about your new medication side effects.
Goal:
Politely ask the doctor to slow down and answer two more questions.
Boundaries
The Late Night Caller
A family member keeps calling you at 10:00 PM to complain about their day. It disrupts your sleep routine and increases your stress.
Goal:
Set a boundary about phone calls after 9:00 PM.
Public Space
The Line Jumper
You are waiting in a long line at the pharmacy. Someone walks right in front of you and starts talking to the pharmacist.
Goal:
Assertively point out that you were next in line.
Social
The Loud Neighbor
Your neighbor is playing loud music late on a Tuesday night. You have an early appointment tomorrow and need to sleep.
Goal:
Ask them to turn the volume down for the night.
Support
The Silent Partner
You are having a very low-energy day. Your partner expects you to cook dinner, but you feel physically unable to do so.
Goal:
Explain your energy level and ask to order takeout instead.
Needs Power Reference Sheet The Power of Your Needs
Why Assertive Communication is a Mental Health Essential
"Expressing our needs is not an act of selfishness; it is an act of self-preservation. When we speak up for ourselves, we create the space needed for healing and growth."
Healthy Boundaries
Setting boundaries prevents burnout. Without them, we feel "spread too thin," leading to emotional exhaustion.
Reduced Resentment
Speaking up prevents anger from building. Silent resentment damages trust more than direct requests.
Mental Energy
Hiding needs is exhausting. Assertiveness reduces the "mental loop" of worrying about what wasn't said.
Actual Support
People aren't mind readers. Clarity is the only way to get the specific support you need for your wellbeing.
The Cost of Silence
Passive Style
Isolation, hidden anger, and feeling invisible to others.
Aggressive Style
Conflict, broken trust, and pushing your support away.
Assertive Style
Stronger connections, mutual respect, and clarity.
"Your needs are valid, even if they feel inconvenient.
